Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef is a delicious, hearty, and nutritious meal that combines savory ground beef with tender cabbage and vegetables in a flavorful broth. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner option or a healthy, low-calorie dish, this recipe ticks all the boxes. Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, it’s a great choice for those seeking a satisfying yet light meal.
Why You’ll Love Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef
Cabbage soup has been a staple in many cuisines for centuries, known for its health benefits and versatility. Adding ground beef makes the soup even more filling and adds a rich depth of flavor. The combination of cabbage, onions, tomatoes, and spices ensures a robust taste in every spoonful.
Not only is this soup hearty and satisfying, but it is also easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, this recipe requires just a few basic ingredients and can be prepared in one pot, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier version of this soup. You can also substitute it with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option.
- Cabbage: A key ingredient in this soup, cabbage adds texture and nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants.
- Onions and Garlic: These aromatic vegetables form the flavor base for your soup and add a delicious depth of taste.
- Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes or fresh tomatoes bring acidity and sweetness to balance the savory flavors of the beef and broth.
- Carrots: Adding a bit of sweetness and color, carrots are packed with beta-carotene and other essential vitamins.
- Broth: Beef broth or vegetable broth provides a flavorful base for the soup. Chicken broth can also be used.
- Spices: Simple seasonings such as salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves elevate the flavor of the soup.
- Optional Add-ins: You can add extra veggies like celery, zucchini, or potatoes for more variety and nutrients.
How to Make Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large pot, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon. Once browned, drain any excess fat to make the soup lighter and healthier.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add chopped onions and garlic to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the chopped carrots and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
Step 3: Add the Cabbage and Tomatoes
Stir in the shredded cabbage and diced tomatoes. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, chop them before adding. Let everything cook together for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Pour in your broth (about 4 cups should be sufficient) and stir to combine. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have developed.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious and nutritious cabbage soup with ground beef.
Benefits of Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef
- High in Protein and Fiber: The ground beef provides a solid source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. The cabbage and other vegetables offer fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut.
- Low in Calories: Despite being a filling meal, this soup is relatively low in calories, making it a great option for weight management or a low-carb diet.
- Packed with Nutrients: Cabbage is loaded with essential vitamins like C and K, as well as minerals like potassium and calcium. Ground beef adds iron and zinc, which are vital for immune function and overall health.
- Easy to Customize: This recipe can easily be adjusted based on what ingredients you have on hand. Add more vegetables or swap the beef for a different protein to suit your preferences.
Tips for the Best Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef
- Make it Spicy: For a kick of heat, add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Make it More Filling: If you want to make the soup even heartier, add some small pasta, rice, or potatoes.
- Leftovers: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can also be frozen for longer storage. Reheat gently on the stove when ready to enjoy.
- For Extra Flavor: Add a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving for a tangy note that brightens up the soup.
Conclusion
Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef is the perfect dish for anyone looking for a comforting and nutritious meal. Easy to make and full of flavor, this hearty soup is ideal for cold evenings, meal prepping, or simply enjoying a healthy homemade dish. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy a bowl of this cozy, wholesome soup tonight!
Serving and Storage Tips for Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef
Serving Tips:
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Top your cabbage soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives for added flavor and a pop of color. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese for richness.
- Pair with Bread: Serve your cabbage soup with a side of crusty bread, a slice of toasted baguette, or crackers to soak up the flavorful broth. For an extra treat, try garlic bread or a simple grilled cheese sandwich on the side.
- Make it a Complete Meal: While the soup is filling on its own, you can serve it alongside a light salad, such as a mixed green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, for a more balanced meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup is great for meal prepping. You can make a big batch and divide it into individual portions for quick, easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Cabbage soup with ground beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to let it cool down to room temperature before storing it to avoid condensation inside the container.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well and can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If the soup is too thick after refrigerating or freezing, simply add a little extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Avoid Storing Toppings: If you’re adding garnishes like sour cream, cheese, or fresh herbs, store those separately and add them just before serving to maintain their freshness.
Additional Tips:
- Flavor Enhancement: Cabbage soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. If you’re planning to store leftovers, consider making the soup in advance to enjoy a more intense flavor.
- Freezing for Longer Storage: If freezing in individual servings, portion out your soup into single or family-sized portions for easy access and reheating.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your cabbage soup with ground beef remains fresh, flavorful, and ready to enjoy whenever you need it!
- Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe? Yes, you can easily substitute the ground beef with other types of meat like ground turkey, ground chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using plant-based crumbles or lentils as a meat alternative.
- Can I make Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef in advance? Absolutely! This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together. You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months if you want to store it for longer.
- Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes, you can make this cabbage soup in a slow cooker! Brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic beforehand, then transfer everything into your slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have developed.
- How can I make Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef spicier? To add some heat, you can include red pepper flakes, a diced jalapeño pepper, or a dash of hot sauce. You can also experiment with adding a bit of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for extra flavor and spice. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste!
Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef
This Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef is a hearty, filling soup featuring tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and a mix of vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth. It’s low-carb, nutritious, and makes a perfect meal for lunch or dinner. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a comforting experience!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soups
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/2 head of cabbage, chopped (about 4 cups)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 zucchini, diced (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed and set aside.
- In the same pot, add olive oil (if necessary) and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for 5–6 minutes, or until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Return the cooked ground beef to the pot, then add the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, basil, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the cabbage and vegetables are tender.
- If using, add the diced zucchini during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Discard the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- For added flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce to taste.
- This soup is easily customizable—add other veggies like bell peppers or green beans if desired.